The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is togeher with the peregrine falcon one of the two fastest birds and animals in the world. Wingspan 1.80 - 2.80 m. When diving for prey it can reach 240 - 320 km/h (150 - 200 mph) - via Robert SKREINER's photo on Google+

The Golden Eagle... The Golden Eagle is one of the best-known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the most widely distributed species of eagle. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae.

Eagles - Regal Birds of Prey

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) pairs maintain territories that may be as large as 60 square miles (155 square kilometers). They are monogamous and may remain with their mate for several years or possibly for life. Golden eagles nest in high places including cliffs, trees, or human structures such as telephone poles.

Despite their fierceness, golden eagles are quite sedentary. They can sit perched for more than 75 percent of the day. In extremely cold weather they may perch together for warmth. Until recent research, the population that winters in eastern Iowa was once thought to be eagles that ventured from the American West. But the Iowa eagles instead travel thousands of miles from far northern Canada. | Iowa Outdoors Magazine